“Our preliminary assessments indicate that farmers across the state experienced high winds, flooding, power losses as a result of excessive rain and tree and limb damage but minimal damage. Overall Maryland agriculture fared well with no significant loss or structural damage.

“USDA’s Farm Service Agency will further assess damages to agriculture – crops, livestock, conservation – and we should have a better indication of those estimates in the coming weeks.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it is important that farmers who did experience crop damage stay in close contact with their crop insurance agent. Farmers must notify their agent within 72 hours of discovering crop damage, continue to care for their crop as normal and obtain permission from the insurance company before destroying any crops. Farmers who are unable to take corn or soybean crops to harvest should contact their insurance company before taking action. In times of loss, a crop insurance agent should be the first contact.

“In Maryland, about 15 percent of the corn crop and 70 percent of the soybeans are not yet harvested, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Progress Report.

“Additionally, any farmer who experienced damage or losses to buildings or livestock due to flooding, rain, or wind should contact their local extension agent to report.

“We thank our staff and colleagues, and especially the local emergency management personnel throughout the state, who provided assistance to the agricultural community and the general public before, during and after this storm.”